Big Rapids, Mich. --- Ferris State scored the first two goals of the game and held on the rest of the way in downing #2-ranked Minnesota State 2-1 in Central Collegiate Hockey Association action in Big Rapids, Mich., Friday.

Following a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Bradley Marek, the reigning CCHA Rookie of the Week, scored on a two-on-one opportunity at :49 of the second to put the host Bulldogs up 1-0. Marek made it a 2-0 lead for FSU when he tipped a shot past Dryden McKay for a power play marker at 8:11.

The Mavericks, who hadn't lost to FSU since Dec. 9, 2016 and entered Friday's contest having won the last 15 games vs. the Bulldogs, pulled within one when Nathan Smith scored on the power play when he split the defense and went top shelf at 11:24 of the second.  The goal, which was assisted by Sam Morton and Jake Livingstone, is Smith's fifth of the season.

Ferris State outshot the Mavericks by a 15-11 margin in the third period, but neither team was able to tack on a goal.

Minnesota State was one-for-four with the man advantage in the game, while FSU finished with a one-for-three power play ledger.

The Mavericks, who outshot the Bulldogs 32-30 in the contest, drop to 6-3 overall, 2-1-0 CCHA.  Ferris State upped its record to 4-5-0 overall, 2-1-0 with tonight's result.

The two teams complete the two-game league series Saturday with a 5:07 p.m. face-off scheduled.

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